noun

hiding

spanking, beating, concealment

He got a hiding from his father for breaking the window.

He got a spanking from his father for breaking the window.

The fugitive is in hiding from the police.

The fugitive is in hiding from the police.

((to get)) a hiding from (sb.) to receive a beating from (sb.) He got a hiding from his father.

((to be)) in hiding from (sb./sth.) to be concealed from (sb./sth.) The fugitive is in hiding from the police.

Synonyms: beating, thrashing, spanking

From the present participle of the verb 'to hide'. The sense of 'a beating' is a British colloquialism, perhaps from the idea of a punishment administered out of sight.

While Americans understand 'hiding' as concealment, remember the specific British meaning of 'a hiding' is a spanking or beating. It's a distinct vocabulary item.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.